Carlos Hilado Memorial State College

Talisay City Negros Occidental

COLLEGE of EDUCATION

Module in
Introduction to
Agriculture and Fishery Arts
(TLEAGF1)

by:

RAYNOR F. EREJE, PhD

Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1 Module Page 1

 Preface

Welcome to the College of Education, and as a freshman Bachelor of Technology and

Livelihood Education (BTLED) student, you will be equipped with the necessary knowledge,
skills and attitude through various teaching and learning activities. As a preservice teacher, you
must see that you maximize every learning opportunity, acquire necessary skills, and manifest
a desirable attitude that reflects our brand as a CHMSCian.
Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts1 focus on the overview of agri-fishery arts
discipline including philosophy, areas of specialization, role in societal development. This
module will help you understand Agriculture and Fishery Arts' nature as one of the major
branches of Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE). Likewise, this module will also lay
the foundation for you to understand better the philosophies, specialization, societal
contribution of Agri-Fishery Arts and its future trends making you ready for your future role as
a professional and innovative TLE teacher.

Brief Description of the Module

Module in Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 2 (TLEAGF1) is one of ten (10)
Teaching Exploratory Courses of the BTLED program. It has been reorganized using the 5Es
(Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate and Evaluate) Constructivist Instructional Design. The
Module in TLEIIA1 is composed of five lessons comprising of the following:
Lesson 1: Concepts of Agriculture and Fishery Arts
Lesson 2: Philosophies in Agriculture and Fishery Arts
Lesson 3: Areas of Specialization in Agriculture and Fishery Arts
Lesson 4: The Role of Agriculture and Fishery Arts in Societal Development
Lesson 5: Trends in Agriculture and Fishery Arts
Mid-term topics will cover the first 3 lessons
and end-term lessons cover the remaining 2 lessons.
Along with this module are corresponding
answer sheets for each lesson which you need to
compile in a folder.

Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1 Module Page 2

 How to Use the Module
This module presents a systematic program of study intended for BTLED pre-service
teachers in teaching Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1. It maintains a consistent
link between theory and practice by providing learning activities to illustrate and test
theoretical ideas. As you go through the different lessons, you will analyze how the different
Industrial Arts theories are translated into practice. At the start of the module, you will take the
pre-assessment test for mid-term, covering the first three lessons and another assessment test
for end-term for the remaining two lessons. This is to see how much background information
and knowledge you have in teaching Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1.
This module is self-instructional, so you may read, analyze concepts and ideas
presented, and reflect on them. The Activities under the Engage and Explore segments will
require you to use your prior knowledge on the macro-skills; your prior knowledge will be
strengthened or modified with the help of the notes provided under the Explain segment. The
guide questions will help guide you on what to focus on as you read the notes given. The
acquired knowledge will be tested as you apply them in various contexts in the Elaborate
segment. Evaluation is then given at the end of each module to measure your understanding of
the key concepts. If you need help and further clarification, you may contact me via messenger
or raynor.ereje@chmsc.edu.ph.
Take note of these important reminders in answering the activities. DO NOT
ANSWER IN THE PRINTED MODULE. An answer sheet is provided for you to answer.
You are required to prepare a folder to compile the Answer Sheets with fastener enclose in a
brown envelope. Label both the folder and envelope with the following: Name of the
Subject, Name of student, year, and section, contact details.
The post-assessment will be given in a separate booklet upon the completion of the
whole module. It will serve as the summative evaluation of your performance.
Strictly observe dates of submission and manage your time well so all tasks may be
accomplished on time. Remember, you are to work on this module independently. I shall not be
around to supervise you as you go through each lesson. It is expected that you will make the
most of this module by doing your utmost best in answering all activities. Do not shortchange
yourself by asking someone to answer the activities for you. In this pandemic, where face-to-
face engagement with students is not encouraged, strive your best to help yourself by constantly
striving for excellence. Good luck and keep safe.

Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1 Module Page 3

 Table of Contents

Page
Preface i
Brief Description of the Module i
How to Use the Module i
Table of Contents ii
Pre-assessment iii
Lesson 1: Concepts of Agriculture and Fishery Arts
Lesson 2: Philosophies in Agriculture and Fishery Arts
Lesson 3: Areas of Specialization in Agriculture and
Fishery Arts
Lesson 4: The Role of Agriculture and Fishery Arts in
Societal Development
Lesson 5: Trends and Issues in Agriculture and Fishery
Arts
Post-assessment
References

Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1 Module Page 4

 Module 1

Concepts of Agriculture and Fishery Arts

Introduction
Agri-Fishery Arts is another exciting area of TLE wherein you will be familiarized with
tools, technologies, trends and issues of this discipline. Various innovation are now being
incorporated in the study of Agri-Fishery Arts in which as a future TLE teacher should embark
to transfer knowledge, skills and attitudes to your future TLE students.

Time Frame: Week 1

Topics:
Lesson 1. Concept and Meaning of Agriculture and Fishery Arts
Lesson 2. History and development of Agriculture and Fishery Arts
Lesson 3. Tools and Equipment in Agriculture and Fishery Arts
Lesson 4. Products in Agriculture and Fishery Arts

Objectives: At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:

1. Discuss various concept and meaning of Argi-Fishery Arts
2. Explain the history and development of Argi-Fishery Arts
3. Discuss tools and Equipment in Agriculture and Fishery Arts
4. Explain the products of Agriculture and Fishery Arts

Engage
Teach me how to Plant. Be able to rearrange the planting steps by placing 1 on the first step, 2
on the second step and so on.

Explore
Eliminate and Explain. Put an “X” to tool/s which you think is not used in gardening and
explain why?

Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1 Module Page 5

 A B C D E

Explain

Lesson 1. Concept, Meaning and Branches of Agriculture and Fishery Arts

So God created the man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and
female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and
multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea,
and over the fowl of the air, and over everything that moveth upon the earth.
-Genesis Chapter 1 Verses 27 and 28

“Give a Man A fish, and you Feed Him a Day. Teach a Man to Fish, and you Feed Him for a
Lifetime.” -Maimonides (the greatest Jewish Scholar of the Middle
Ages)

Meaning of Agriculture and Fishery Arts

Agricultural Arts is defined as the cultivation and exploitation of animals, plants (including
fungi) and other forms of organic life for human use, including food, fiber, medicines, fuel and
anything else.
-https://www.environmentalscience.org/history-agriculture

The word “agriculture” is derived from two Latin words, “Ager/Agri” means “soil” and
“Cultura” means “cultivation”. Agriculture is a practical science that includes all attributes
of crop production and development involving agronomy, forestry, horticulture, fishing, live
stock, etc.

Agriculture is well-defined as the art, science, and business of crop cultivation and livestock
rearing for economic objectives.

Art: This includes knowing how to skillfully perform farm operations, but certainly doesn’t
involve knowledge of the operative principles behind the farm management.

Science: Use of all the available technologies developed according to scientific values such as
plant breeding, production, protection, economic methods, etc. to increase crop yield and farm
profit. Techniques e.g., new crop varieties production by crossbreeding of pest and disease
resistant plant varieties, production of crop hybrids, varieties with high sensitivity to fertilizers,
water management, herbicides for weed control, the use of bio-control agents for pest and
diseases, etc. are all included in science.

Business: As long as agriculture is a rural lifestyle, food production is eventually linked to

consumption. However, as a business, it seeks to maximize its bottom line by managing
agricultural labor, capital, and water using the information to produce food, fiber, feed, and
fuel. Recently, agriculture has transformed into a commercial category to be adapted as a
business through modern automation.

Fishery Arts are about food processing, fish wharf operation, fish production and aims to
develop the catching, handling, taking, marketing, and preserving of fish and other fishery
products.

Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1 Module Page 6

Lesson 2. History and Development of Agriculture and Fishery Arts

The history of agriculture is the story of humankind's development and cultivation of

food, feed, fiber, fuel, and other goods by systematically raising plants and animals.
● Until the end of the Pleistocene, most
people inhabiting the planet were hunter-
gatherers
● the knowledge and skill of learning to care
for plants' soil and growth advanced
human society's development, allowing
clans and tribes to stay in one location
generation after generation.
● Archaeological evidence indicates that
such developments occurred 10,000 or
more years ago.
● Because of agriculture, cities and trade
relations between different regions and
groups developed, further enabling the
advancement of human societies and
cultures.
● Agriculture has been an essential aspect of
economics throughout the centuries
before and after the Industrial Revolution.
Retrieved from https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/History_of_agriculture

Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1 Module Page 7

 Fishing was an essential source of food in Prehistory and became a
commercial activity in Antiquity. Deep-sea fishing first emerged in the 15th
century, but really took off with the arrival of steam boats in the 19th
century. The more powerful trawlers were able to pull larger nets.
Recreational fishing, reserved for the wealthy classes in the 18th century,
became more accessible as technological advances enabled better
equipment to be produced at a lower cost.

Fish fossils found during archaeological digs appear to show that Homo habilis then Homo erectus
were the first fishermen, some 500 000 years ago. However, fishing probably only really developed
after the appearance of Homo sapiens during the Upper Paleolithic period between 40 000 and 10 000
years BCE. Very little is known about the different fishing practices. at
that time consisted in catching fish by hand or by using rudimentary tools
made from natural materials of which no trace remains. It would have been
mainly practised by populations established near lakes and rivers. The
spear, net, line and rod seem to have appeared almost simultaneously in
Egypt around 3500 BCE. Subsistence fishing changed little over the
centuries and some techniques are still used today in recreational fishing in
the West.

During Graeco-Roman Antiquity, fishing was the main subject of the

Halieutika, the earliest surviving treatise on sea fishing written by the poet
Oppian of Corycus. The Romans were major consumers and traders of the
resources from the Mediterranean Basin. They fished mainly using different
types of nets. Since the principle of refrigeration had not yet been developed,
fish which was not immediately eaten was fermented and transformed into
garum, a popular condiment.

During the Middle Ages in Europe, feudal lords owned the rivers and lakes.
River fishing was strictly regulated and permitted for people in religious
communities whose diets were punctuated by periods of fasting. However,
from the middle of the 11th century, the construction of ponds developed,
heralding the beginning of fish farming.

From the 15th century, deep-sea sea fishing and the trade of fish expanded. The
Dutch formed fleets of herring drifters which pulled a long drift net and could
remain at sea for weeks at a time. They were supplied with provisions by
ventjagers (cargo boats) which also brought the catch back to shore.

The first trawlers appeared in Great Britain in the 17th century, but trawling expanded rapidly in the
19th century when sails were replaced by steam power. Boats became bigger and more powerful,
enabling them to pull wide nets in deep water. The
seafood trade intensified. The small English town of
Grimsby became one of the major centres of commercial
fishing in Europe and was connected by a direct railway
line to London’s Billingsgate Fish Market (the world’s
biggest fish market at that time).

During both World Wars, some trawlers were adapted to be used to sweep underwater mines and were
armed to protect the fleet of fishermen from enemy vessels.

Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1 Module Page 8

 As for recreational fishing, in the 18th century fly fishing was initially
reserved for the wealthy classes. It gradually became more accessible as
technological advances meant better equipment could be produced
relatively cheaply. To satisfy anglers, non-native species were even
introduced into certain regions, as was the case with trout in Australia.

Lesson 3. Tools and Equipment in Agriculture and Fishery Arts

Farm Equipment are types of machinery used in crop production and are used in land
preparation and in transporting farm inputs and products. This equipment needs a highly-skilled
operator to use
Farm implements are accessories pulled by animals or mounted to types of machinery to
make the work easier
Farm tools - objects that are usually light and are used without the help of animals and
machines

Tools
Bolo is used for cutting tall grasses and weeds and
chopping branches of trees.
Crowbar is used for digging big holes and for digging out
big stones and stumps.
Pick-mattock is used for digging canals, breaking hard
topsoil and for digging up stones and tree stumps.

Grab-hoe is used for breaking hard topsoil and pulverizing

soil.

Spade is used for removing trash or soil, digging canals or

ditches and mixing soil media.
Shovel is used to remove trash, dig loose soil, move soil
from one place to another, and mix soil media.

Rake is used for cleaning the ground and leveling the

topsoil.

Spading fork is used for loosening the soil, digging out root
crops and turning over the materials in a compost heap.
Garden Trowel is used to loosen the soil around the
growing plants and put a small amount of manure
fertilizer in the soil.
Hand cultivator is used for cultivating the garden plot by
loosening the soil and removing weeds around the plant.

Pruning shears is for cutting branches of planting

materials and unnecessary branches of plants

Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1 Module Page 9

 Sprinklers is used for watering seedlings and young plants

Sickle is a hand-held agricultural tool with a variously

curved blade typically used for cutting weeds.

Farm Implement
Plows are either pulled by a working animal or a tractor.
The plow is used explicitly for tilling large areas, making
furrows and inter-row cultivation.
Harrow is made of wood with a metal tooth and pulled by
a carabao, while the disc harrow is made of metal
mounted to a tractor. Plows are used for tilling and
pulverizing the soil.
Rotavator is an implement mounted to a tractor used for
tilling and pulverizing the soil

Farm Equipment

Hand tractor is used to pull a plow and harrow in

preparing a large area of land.

Four-wheel tractor is used to pull disc plow and disc

harrow in preparing much bigger
area of land.

Water pumps are used to draw irrigation water from a

source.

Fishing without gear – a method that is composed of the simplest forms of gathering aquatic
resources. Examples are handpicking and diving.
Stupefying methods - a method that depend on the psychological reaction of fish to certain
physical or chemical properties. Examples are Mechanical stupefying (Hitting a fish directly with
hard objects), Fish Poisoning and electric fishing.

Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1 Module Page 10

Grappling instruments- generally used for gathering trapped animals. Examples
are hoes (panghukay), and grabs (pandukot).
Wounding Gear - gears used to wound a fish from some distance either by
throwing pointed objects or using specials equipment. Examples are spears,
lances and arrows.
Barriers and Traps - gears that lead the fish into a situation or enclosure from
which fish cannot escape. Example is barricades - complete barriers made of
wooden trunks or bamboo webbing built across the natural migration path of fish.
Fishing with lines - method of line fishing with hooks that follows the principle
of offering the fish real or artificial bait which it tries to catch

Lesson 4. Composting

Solid waste management is one area wherein composting can be best applied because the
kitchen and household waste contribute to waste accumulation, thus contributing to pollution and other
problems. Being a Chmscian, you also have to think of ways to mitigate this perennial problem and one
good move is for you to start using this technology.

Compost
is the single most important supplement you can give your garden.
It’s a simple way to add nutrient-rich humus to your lawn or garden
that fuels plant growth and restores vitality to depleted soil. It's also
free, easy to make, and good for the environment. But composting
also has other benefits.

Utilizing this method in turning waste into organic fertilizer will

significantly increase production and since it is organic, then you
and your health is also secured from those commercially available
fruits and vegetables loaded with pesticides,

Composting Benefits
There are several reasons why composting should be practiced when we are gardening and
some of these are as follows:

Soil Conditioner
With compost, you are creating rich humus for your lawn and garden. This adds nutrients to
your plants and helps retain soil moisture.

Recycles Kitchen and Yard Waste

Composting can divert as much as 30% of household waste away from the garbage can. That’s
important because when organic matter hits the landfill, it lacks the air it needs to decompose
quickly. Instead, it creates harmful methane gas as it breaks down, increasing the rate of global
warming and climate change.

Introduces Beneficial Organisms to the Soil

Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1 Module Page 11

Microscopic organisms in compost help aerate the soil, break down organic materials for plant
use, and ward off plant disease.

Good for the Environment

Composting offers a natural alternative to chemical fertilizers when applied to lawns and
garden beds.

Reduces Landfill Waste

Most landfills in North America are quickly filling up; many have already closed down. One-
third of landfill waste is made up of compostable materials. Diverting this waste from the
landfill means that our landfills will last longer (and so will our wild spaces).

What to Compost?
What you can put into your compost will depend somewhat on what kind of composter you
have, but some general rules apply. All compostable materials are either carbon or nitrogen-
based, to varying degrees. The secret to a healthy compost pile is to maintain a working
balance between these two elements.

What materials to be avoided in

Composting?
● Do not compost meat, bones, or
fish scraps (they will attract pests)
unless you are using a composter
specifically for this purpose.
● Avoid composting perennial weeds
or diseased plants since you might spread
weed seeds or diseases when spreading
your compost.
● Don’t include pet manures in
compost that will be used on food crops.
● Banana peels, peach peels, and
orange rinds may contain pesticide
residues and should be kept out of the
compost.

How to Compost
1. Start your compost pile on bare earth. This allows worms and other beneficial
organisms to aerate the compost and be transported to your garden beds.
2. Lay twigs or straw first, a few inches deep. This aids drainage and helps aerate the pile.
3. Add compost materials in layers, alternating moist and dry. Moist ingredients are food
scraps, tea bags, seaweed, etc. Dry materials are straw, leaves, sawdust pellets and
wood ashes. If you have wood ashes, sprinkle in thin layers, or they will clump together
and be slow to break down.
4. Add manure, green manure (clover, buckwheat, wheatgrass, grass clippings) or any
nitrogen source. This activates the compost pile and speeds the process along.
5. Keep compost moist. Water occasionally, or let rain do the job.
6. Cover with anything you have – wood, plastic sheeting, carpet scraps. Covering helps
retain moisture and heat, two essentials for compost. Covering also prevents the

Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1 Module Page 12

 compost from being over-watered by rain. The compost should be moist, but not
soaked and sodden.
7. Turn. Every few weeks, give the pile a quick turn with a pitchfork or shovel. This
aerates the pile. Oxygen is required for the process to work, and turning “adds” oxygen.
You can skip this step if you have a ready supply of coarse material like straw. Once
you’ve established your compost pile, add new materials by mixing them in rather than
by adding them in layers. Mixing or turning the compost pile is key to aerating the
composting materials and speeding the process to completion.

Elaborate
Slogan Making. Be able to compose a slogan on the proper care of our water resources using a
short size bond paper and be able to decorate using available coloring materials.
Criteria: Message and Originality-10 points
Artistry and Creativity – 5 pts

Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1 Module Page 13

Evaluate
Essay. Explain in 3.5 sentences

Agricultural tools are always expose to the elements of nature, as an TLE teacher in the future
how will you inculcate the value of taking care of these tools to your students?

Module 2

Philosophies in Agriculture and Fishery Arts

Introduction
Agri-fishery arts has been practiced for a long time and through the years this discipline
has undergone changes and innovations which was based on established philosophies to
sustain its thriving condition. Over time, other great thinkers were also introduced more of
these time-tested philosophies which until this stay has retained its relevance.

Time Frame: 1 week

Topics:
Lesson 1. Philosophies in Agricultural Arts
Lesson 2. Philosophies in Fishery Arts

Objectives: At the end of the lesson, you are expected to:

1. Discuss philosophies in Agri-fishery arts
2. Reflect philosophies in Agri-fishery arts

Engage
What do you Think?! Peter is a father of five (5) children
and to make both ends meet, he sorted to dynamite
fishing for bigger income. What do you think is his action
on the premise of what is right and wrong?

Explore

Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1 Module Page 14

Reflect on This. America wastes roughly 40 percent of its
food.1 Of the estimated 125 to 160 billion pounds of food that
goes to waste every year, much of it is perfectly edible and
nutritious. Food is lost or wasted for a variety of reasons: bad
weather, processing problems, overproduction and unstable
markets cause food loss long before it arrives in a grocery store,
while overbuying, poor planning and confusion over labels and
safety contribute to food waste at stores and in homes.

As a CHMSCian teacher, how will you minimize this wasteful practice into something
positive?

Explain

Lesson 1: Philosophies in Agriculture

Agrarianism
-only one philosophy or normative framework out of many that
people use to guide their decisions regarding agriculture on an
everyday basis.

-social and political philosophy, perspective that stresses the primacy of family farming,
widespread property ownership, and political decentralization. Agrarian ideas are typically
justified in terms of how they serve to cultivate moral character and to develop a full and
responsible person.

Utilitarianism
-generally, the view is that a morally right action is an action that produces the maximum good
for people and is often used when deciding farming issues.

- it also forms the foundation for industrial farming; as an increase in yield,

which would increase the number of people able to receive goods from
farmed land, is judged from this view to be a good action or approach.
Indeed, a common argument in favor of industrial agriculture is this it is a
good practice because it increases the benefits for humans; benefits such as
food abundance and a drop in food prices.

-proponents are Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill.

Example: Farmland is commonly valued based upon its capacity to the grow crops that people want.
This approach to valuing land is called Asset Theory (in contrast to Location Theory) and it is based
upon utilitarian principles. Another example is when a community decides on what to do with a
particular parcel of land. Let’s say that this community must decide to use it for industry, residential
uses, or for farming

Consequentialism
-which basically means that the correct action is understood entirely in terms of the
consequences of that action.

Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1 Module Page 15

Libertarianism
- often used when deciding land or farming issues.
- the moral view that agents own themselves and have certain moral
rights including the right to acquire property
- commonly identified with the belief that each person has a right to a
maximum amount of liberty when this liberty does not interfere with
other people's freedom
- within this view, property rights are natural rights. Thus, it would be
acceptable for a farmer to inefficiently farm their land as long as they
don't harm others while doing it.
- well known libertarian theorist is John Hospers

Egalitarianism or Egalitarian Approach

- often developed as a response to libertarianism
- while libertarianism provides for the maximum amount
of human freedom, it does not require a person to help
others.
- It also leads to the grossly uneven distribution of
wealth.
- typically favors equality whether that be equal
entitlement and/or opportunity to employment or access to food
-could provide a strong argument for the preservation of soil fertility and water with the growth
of human populations and the decline of soil and water resources.
- well-known egalitarian philosopher is John Rawls

Ecological or Systems Approach

- based upon the principle that land has intrinsic value and positions coming out of an
ecological or systems view.
-it postulates that the Earth is an organism and argue that argue that human communities are
built upon a foundation of the surrounding ecosystems or the biotic communities
- that land has intrinsic value which is directly applicable to agriculture
-C. Taliaferro and S. Carpenter. (2010) "Farms" in Life Science Ethics. ed. Gary L. Comstock.
Thompson, Paul. (2010) "Land." "Life Science Ethics." ed. Gary L. Comstock. Raleigh: Springer Publishing.

Lesson 2. Principles and Theories of Fishery Arts

Principle 1: Sustainable Fish Stock

-must be conducted in a manner that does not lead to over-fishing or depletion of the exploited
populations and for those populations that are depleted, the fishery activity must be conducted
in a manner that demonstrably leads to their recovery.

Principle 2. Minimizing Environmental Effect

-fishing operations should allow for the maintenance of the structure, productivity, function
and diversity of the ecosystem (including habitat and associated dependent and ecologically
related species) on which the fishery activity depends

Principle 3: Effective Management

-subject to an effective management system that respects local, national and international laws,
standards, incorporates institutional and operational frameworks that require use of the
resource to be responsible and sustainable.

Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1 Module Page 16

Fishery Management
The integrated process of information gathering,
analysis, planning, consultation, decision-making,
allocation of resources and formulation and
implementation, with enforcement as necessary, of
regulations or rules which govern fisheries activities
in order to ensure the continued productivity of the
resources and the accomplishment of other fisheries
objectives

From this description, it can be seen that fisheries

management involves a complex and wide-ranging
set of tasks, which collectively have the
achievement of sustained optimal benefits from the
resources as the underlying goal.

Principle and Management Function

Principle Management Function
Fish stocks and communities are finite and The potential yield needs to be estimated and the
biological production constrains the potential biological constraints identified
yield from a fishery.
Biological production of a stock is a function of i) Target reference points need to be established
the size of the stock and) it is also a function of through data collection and fisheries assessment;
the ecological environment. It is influenced by and
natural or human-induced changes in the
environment ii) environmental impacts should be identified and
monitored, and the management strategy adjusted
in response as necessary.
Human consumptive demands on fish resources Realistic goals and objectives must be set.
are fundamentally in conflict with the constraint
of maintaining a suitably low risk to the resource. Achieving the objectives will inevitably require
Further, modern technology provides humans with controls on fishing effort and capacity.
the means, and demand for its benefits provides
the motivation, to extract fish biomass at rates
much higher than it can be produced.
In a multispecies fishery, which description Realistic goals and objectives must be established
encompasses almost all fisheries, it is impossible across ecosystems, so as to manage for species
to maximize or optimize the yield from all and fisheries interactions.
fisheries simultaneously.
Uncertainty pervades fisheries management and Risk assessment and management must be done in
hinders informed decision-making. The greater the development and implementation of management
uncertainty, the more conservative should be the plans, measures and strategies.
approach (i.e. as uncertainty increases, realized
yield as a proportion of estimated maximum
average yield should be decreased).
The short-term dependency of society on a fishery Fisheries cannot be managed in isolation and must
will determine the relative priority of the social be integrated into coastal zone and fisheries policy
and/or economic goals in relation to sustainable and planning and national policies.
utilization.
A sense of ownership and a long-term stake in the A system of effective and appropriate access
resource for those (individuals, communities or rights must be established and enforced.

Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1 Module Page 17

 groups) with access are most conducive to
maintaining responsible fisheries.
Genuine participation in the management process Communication, consultation and co-management
by fully-informed users is consistent with the should underlie all stages of management
democratic principle, facilitates identification of
acceptable management systems and encourages
compliance with laws and regulations
Retrieved from https://www.fao.org/3/y3427e/y3427e03.htm

Elaborate
Interpret This. Be able to interpret and discuss the picture below in 3-5sentences. Be able to
integrate philosophies in Agriculture.

Evaluate
Essay. Explain the saying in 3-5 sentences and relate it to your life.

Be able to explain one philosophy and relate it to your life as a future

Agri-Fishery Arts teacher.

Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1 Module Page 18

 Module 3
Areas of Specialization in Agriculture and
Fishery Arts
Introduction
Like other of TLE, Agri-Fishery Arts is a broad chuck which is made-up of various
sub-areas designed for a specific field of specialization. These sub-areas have their own
distinct competencies which will develop student’s interest in developing their knowledge,
skills and attitudes.

Time Frame: 1 week

Objective: At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:

1. Identify the areas of AFA
2. Discuss the areas of AFA

Topics:
Lesson 1. Areas of Agricultural Arts
Lesson 2. Areas of Fishery Arts

Engage
Cause and Effect. What do you think happened and tell the possible effect?

1 2 3

Explore
What is My Work? Be able to name the professions being conveyed by the picture

1 2 3

Explain

Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1 Module Page 19

 Agriculture is a broad discipline comprising of various areas of specializations. As a
future TLE teacher it is important for you to be familiar with these specialization for your
future to be acquainted on possible career they will pursue along agriculture.

Branches of Agricultural Arts

Agronomy
Branch of agriculture deal with the cultivation of crops, forage, food, fiber, oil-seeds, sugar,
etc. The primary aim of this branch is to improve food production and cropping techniques. It
is the most important branch among all branches of agriculture. It covers vast types of
agricultural practices like permaculture, aquaponics, polyhouse farming, etc.

Horticulture
Branch of agriculture which deal with the plant’s cultivation that is directly used by humans
for food, medicine, and aesthetic purposing.

Plant Breeding and Genetics

Branch of agriculture defined as the art and science of
modifying the genetic structure and plant traits to obtain
the desired characters.

Seed Science
The branch deal with the seed structure and growth habitats starting from fertilization, egg
development, and growing into a new plant. Seed science is closely related to biochemistry,
botany, genetics, and other biosciences.

Crop-Physiology
Crop physiology is the study of the functions and
responses of plants grown in different environments. It is
one of the most basic fields of agriculture.

Plant Pathology
Plant pathology deal with the causes of disease,
instabilities in plants, and the treatment of plant diseases.

Plant Protection
Plant protection is a branch of agriculture that aims to prevent damage from disease, insect-
pests, and weeds.

Soil Science
The study of soil as a natural body that is created by natural forces on the surface of the earth
on which plants grow. The study of soil properties in relation to soil use and management, soil
classification, formation, and mapping of the chemicals, physical, biological, and soil fertility
properties, is known as soil science.

Entomology
Branch of agriculture that studies insects and pests that are
important to agriculture.

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Agricultural Biotechnology
Branch of agriculture which includes the application of
scientific techniques and tools, involving vaccines, molecular
markers, genetic engineering, and tissue culture, to alter the
genome of living organisms to develop improved organisms
e.g., crops and livestock.

Agriculture Engineering
Works with agriculture machinery for preparation, sowing, harvesting, and post harvesting
operations, counting water and soil protection technologies and bioenergy.

Agricultural Economics
An applied economic field that studies human
behavior with respect to the relation-ship between
food and fiber production and distribution.

Forestry
Forestry is engaged in the extensive
cultivation/farming of perennial plants for the supply
of rubber, timber, etc. as well as industrial raw-
materials.

Animal Husbandry
Branch of agriculture engaged in the agriculture exercise of breeding and rearing of
livestock to provide people with food and energy (drafts) and crop manure.

Poultry Production
It study of basic concepts and principles of selection, culling, breeds and breeding, feeds
mad feeding, housing and equipment requirement, pests and diseases control,
marketing, dressing and cutting. It includes economic importance and management practices
in poultry raising.

Swine Production
The study of basic concepts and principles of selection, culling, breeds and breeding, feeds
mad feeding, housing and equipment requirement, pests and diseases control, marketing,
slaughtering and meat fabrication. It includes economic importance and management practices
in swine raising.

Ruminant Production
The study of basic concepts and principles of selection, culling, breeds and breeding,
feeds mad feeding, housing and equipment requirement, pests and diseases control,
marketing, slaughtering and meat fabrication. It includes economic importance and
management practices in small and large ruminant raising.

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Environmental Science
Field that mixes biological, physical, and informational science in the study of the environment
and solving ecological problems.

Food Science and Technology

Among known fields of agriculture, food science and technology uses a variety of approaches
to study the composition of food, processing, packaging, and selection of existing foods
products.

Agricultural Chemistry
Among branches of agriculture, this specific branch deals with
chemistry, particularly organic and bio-chemistry, related to
agriculture, production and the raw food processing into desired
foods and drinks, and environment restoration.

Crop Production
The study and approaches of crop pests and diseases and their application for effective
management and control of agricultural production for agricultural sustainability in the
country

Integrated Pest Management

An area which focuses on the theory and practice of integrated pest management systems in
major agronomic and horticultural crops; pasture systems; non-cropland; and urban settings. It
combines knowledge with analytical, managerial, and communication skills to address
real world problems in diversity of management systems.

Agricultural Microbiology
Branch of agriculture deal with the part micro-biology that deals with microbes linked with
diseases of plants and animals. Deal with the study of soil fertility restoring micro-biology e.g.,
microbial decomposition of organic matters and the conversion of nutrients in the soil.

Home Science
A most interesting branch of agriculture deal with the best application and use of agriculture
products in healthier means.
-https://cropforlife.com/branches-of-agriculture/

Branches of Fishery Arts

1. Aquaculture- the study includes water quality,
production systems, spawning and common fish
cultured in the community
2. Fish Culture - the human effort of raising the
maximum productivity of fish and other fishery
aquatic products and maintaining the supply of
these products to satisfy human needs.
3. Fish Capture - branch of fishery science that deals with the scientific method of
catching fish as well and the type of fishing gear used.
4. Fish Preservation - branch of fishery science that deals with the scientific
method of preserving fish and other fishery aquatic products to prevent spoilage.

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 5. Fish Gear Repair and Maintenance- this study
includes supervising loading and unloading of net,
evaluating net mending and monitoring.

Ichthyology- the science that deals with the study of fishes

Ichthyologists - scientists or persons who study fishes

Elaborate
Be able to read this short article and make a short reflection of 80- 100 words.

Top 5 Reasons to Study Agriculture

The Philippines is endowed with a tropical climate perfect to support the growth of a very diverse flora and fauna.
Over the centuries, agriculture has played a great contribution to the nation’s economy by providing foreign
exchange income. In 2017 alone, export products like coconut, copper, metals, and other minerals have accounted
for billions of dollars to the country’s trade earnings.

However, despite being an agricultural nation, students tend to shy away from agriculture. One of the common
misconceptions about this field is that it is limited to farming and animal husbandry only. Contrary to popular
belief, agriculture provides a wide range of career opportunities for students so studying agriculture could also be
a way for you to find success. Still uncertain? Here are some interesting reasons to study agriculture:

Agriculture is the past, present, and the future

Since the beginning of time, agriculture is among the primary sources of livelihood for Filipinos and it still is up
to now. In fact, to cater to the increasing market demand, more and more agri courses are being established. The
#GoOrganic trend nowadays is another good reason to consider. People are looking for more natural and healthier
food and lifestyle alternatives. With a degree in agriculture, you will not only be able to earn but more
importantly, become a part in the creation of an environmentally sustainable community.

A gateway to entrepreneurship
Different success stories of people who have found their fortune in agriculture prove that this field, like any other
industries, can be profitable. Courses like Agribusiness and Agricultural Economy can help you prepare if you are
planning to start a career or run a family business. These courses are concerned with the production of crops and
livestock for mass consumption. Since food is a basic commodity, agriculture can provide you with lifelong
opportunities for employment.

Agriculture involves new technologies

When someone mentions agriculture, it is common to think of an image of a farmer working with a carabao in a
field. But recent advancements in science and technology have brought new machineries and equipment to help
people. These innovations have contributed greatly in ensuring the quality of crops, creating new plant strains that
are more immune to diseases, and producing more products under varied weather conditions. If you are fascinated
with science or just love working with meaningful technologies, agriculture can be a great avenue to pursue your
passion.

Wanted: new generation of agriculturists

In an article published by IRIN (Integrated Regional Information Networks) in 2013 Filipino farmers – a dying
breed?, Asterio Saliot, director of the Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) said
that the average age of the Filipino farmer is 57. Assuming that the average lifespan is 70, the country might reach
a “critical” shortage of farmers in just 15 years. But agriculture is an essential part of the economy that cannot be
neglected. In the coming years, there will be a growing need for farmers, horticulturists, agronomists and other
related careers where you can settle.

Career advancements
As part of the government’s strategies in addressing the gap concerns, there are plenty of agricultural scholarships
that are made available for the youth to help them in pursuing degrees in agriculture. Employees who are working
in the Department of Agriculture and in related jobs are encouraged to further their education through MA and
Doctorate scholarship programs, research fundings, trainings, and study abroad opportunities. Whether you want

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to work in the field, inside a lab, or any other environment, agriculture can be a great opportunity for you to
explore and grow!
-https://www.edukasyon.ph/blog/top-5-reasons-to-study-agriculture

Evaluate
Essay. Be able to explain in 3-5 sentences the question below.

Agri-Fishery Arts as a course is now becoming less attractive to students, how will you help to
sustain this program in the coming years?

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 Module 4

The Role of Agriculture and Fishery Arts in

Societal Development

Introduction
Food is a basic need and best addressed if a country has the capability of harnessing their
resources in advancing Agri-Fishery Arts as major key players to realize this end. The
Philippines being an agricultural country has been major producers of goods being exported to
other countries and this adds to the income of the country.

Time Frame: 1 week

Objective: At the end of the lesson, you are expected to:

1. Discuss the function of Dept of Agriculture and BFAR
2. Explain Agriculture in the Phiippines
3. Discuss how Agri-Fishery laws supports societal development

Topics:
Lesson 1. The Department of Agriculture and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
Lesson 2. Agriculture in the Philippines
Lesson 3. Agriculture and Fishery Philippine Laws supporting Societal Development

Engage
Manage This. Let say you were the Agriculture secretary; how can you manage a good
balance between the demands of becoming an industrial country and sustaining food security
through agriculture?

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Explore
Which SDG? Which of the following SDGs do you think Agri-Fishery Arts has direct
impact? Be able to discuss briefly.

The Sustainable Development Goals or Global Goals are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals
designed to be a "blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all". The SDGs were set
up in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly and are intended to be achieved by 2030.

Explain

Lesson 1. The Department of Agriculture and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
The executive department of the Philippine government responsible for the promotion
of agricultural and fisheries development and growth. Below are the agencies and bureaus
under the Department of Agriculture.

Department of Agriculture
-its mandate is the promotion of agricultural and fisheries development
and growth. In pursuit of this, it provides a policy framework that
directs public investments and, in partnership with the local
government units (LGUs), provides the support services necessary to
make agriculture and fisheries, and agri-based enterprises profitable
and to help spread the benefits of development to the poor, particularly
those in the rural areas.

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)

-agency of the Philippine government under the Department of
Agriculture responsible for the development, improvement, law
enforcement, management and conservation of the Philippines' fisheries
and aquatic resources.

Lesson 2: Agriculture in the Philippines

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● The Philippines is primarily an agricultural country with a large portion of Filipinos
living in rural areas and supporting themselves through agricultural activities.
● Recent figures suggest that about a quarter of employed Filipinos work in the
agricultural sector which is made up of four sub-sectors: farming, fisheries, livestock,
and forestry.

Planting Rice is a 1951 artwork which portrays farmers doing their painstaking task of
planting rice in a Philippine rural area by our national artist Fernando Amorsolo.

● In 2020, the sector generated a gross value added (GVA) of about 1.78 trillion
Philippine pesos, equivalent to a 10.2 percent share of the country’s gross domestic
product (GDP). However, because of the prolonged lockdown imposed due to the
coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, along with the natural calamities that occurred in
the country, the sector’s gross output contracted by 1.2 percent in that year.
● Agriculture in the Philippines is an important part of the economy with crops like rice,
coconut and sugar dominating the production of crops and exports.
● It employs 23% of the Filipino workforce as of 2021, according to the World Bank.
The Philippines is one of the most vulnerable agricultural systems to monsoons and
other extreme weather events, which are expected to create more uncertainty as
climate change effects the Philippines.
● However, the Food and Agriculture Organization has described the local policy
measures as some of the most proactive in risk reduction.

Profession in Agriculture
● The official professional designation is Licensed
and Registered Agriculturist but is more
commonly shortened as "Licensed Agriculturist"
or more simply as "Agriculturist". They are
licensed and accredited after successfully passing
the Agriculturist Licensure Examination, regulated
by the Professional Regulation Commission and
the Board of Agriculture.

● The primary role of agriculturists is to prepare technical plans, specifications, and

estimates of agriculture projects such as in the construction and management
of farms and agribusiness enterprises. The practice of agriculture also includes the
following:
✔ Consultation, evaluation, investigation, and management of agriculture projects
✔ Research and studies in soil analysis and conservation, crop production, breeding
of livestock and poultry, tree planting, and other biotechniques

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 ✔ Conduct training and extension services on soil analysis and conservation, crop
production, breeding of livestock and poultry, tree planting
✔ Teaching of agriculture subjects in schools, colleges, and university
✔ Management of organizations related to agriculture, both in private and
government (eg. Office of the Provincial Agriculturist)

Fishery Arts in the Philippines

● The Philippines, a maritime nation that is a complex of islands, comprises 7,641
islands and has the territorial sea that covers 679,800 km2 and Exclusive Economic
Zone (EEZ) of 2,263,816 km2.
● Most parts of the Philippines are coastal areas, and about 70% of Filipinos are
estimated to live in coastal areas (Palomares and Pauly, 2014).
● Fisheries have a great significance in terms of food security and economy in the
Philippine (Santos et al., 2011).
● Total fish consumption has been rising steadily with increases in production (Cuvin-
Aralar et al., 2016).
● The fisheries in the Philippines makes a significant contribution to the national
economy in terms of income and employment. Total fish production was estimated at
4.65 million metric tons, and the fisheries sector contributed almost 4.33 billion
dollars to the country's economy in 2015 (BFAR, 2016).
● The fisheries sector employed an estimated 1.6 million people national wide,
contributing 1.5% to the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2015 (BFAR, 2016; PSA,
2017a).
● According to an FAO report, the Philippines places eighth globally in fish production,
as of 2014, and is a key economic sector for the country (BFAR, 2016).
● Climate change has been considered particularly important for fishing nations
(Kelleher et al., 2009; Barange et al., 2014), but discussion of climate change and
impact on fisheries is also a key issue for the Philippines (Santos et al., 2011;
Geronimo, 2018).
● These changes may cause not only loss of productivity, but also economic shock on
the nation's economy. Since climate change is expected to have different
consequences, impacts can be related to vulnerability in countries heavily dependent
on fishery, in view of the important contribution of these sectors to employment,
supply, income and nutrition (Vannuccini et al., 2018).
● The Philippines is actually vulnerable to the impacts of climate change on fisheries
and it can lead to economic shock on the nation's economy. Among fishing nations,
Philippines is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change (Badjeck et al.,
2010; FAO, 2016).
● The Philippines is third in the ranking of vulnerability to climate change risks among
67 developed, emerging and frontier market countries, and is particularly very
sensitive to extreme weather events in terms of people affected and economic costs
(Paun et al., 2018).

Protected Philippine Aquatic Wildlife

The Philippine is blessed with rich aquatic resources and overtime these resources
diminishes with overfishing, poaching and other environmental violations. As future TLE
teachers, let us identify some of the Philippine aquatic wildlife and start making
innovations and actions to save them in our capacity.

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Agriculture Products in the Philippines

Rice
The Philippines is the 8th largest rice producer in the world, accounting for 2.8% of
global rice production. The Philippines was also the world's largest rice importer in
2010. In 2010, nearly 15.7 million metric tons of palay (pre-husked rice) were produced.

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In 2010, palay accounted for 21.86% percent of gross value added in agriculture and
2.37% of GNP. Self-sufficiency in rice reached 88.93% in 2015.
Rice production in the Philippines has grown significantly since the 1950s. Improved
varieties of rice developed during the Green Revolution, including at the International
Rice Research Institute based in the Philippines have improved crop yields. Crop yields
have also improved due to increased use of fertilizers. Average productivity increased
from 1.23 metric tons per hectare in 1961 to 3.59 metric tons per hectare in 2009
Harvest yields have increased significantly by using foliar fertilizer (Rc 62 -> 27%
increase, Rc 80 -> 40% increase, Rc 64 -> 86% increase) based on PhilRice National
Averages.
The government has been promoting the production of Golden rice
Gross national product (GNP) is an estimate of the total value of all the final products and
services turned out in a given period by the means of production owned by a country's
residents. GNP is commonly calculated by taking the sum of personal consumption
expenditures, private domestic investment, government expenditure, net exports, and any
income earned by residents from overseas inve
stments, minus income earned within the domestic economy by foreign residents. Net exports
represent the difference between what a country exports minus any imports of goods and
services.

The table below shows some of the agricultural products of the country per region.

Corn/Maise
Corn/maize is the second most important crop in the Philippines. 600,000 farm households are
employed in different businesses in the corn value chain. As of 2012, around 2.594 million
hectares (6.41×106 acres) of land is under corn cultivation and the total production was 7.408
million metric tons (8.166×106 short tons). The government has been promoting BT corn for
hardiness against insects and higher yields.

Coffee

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Coffee production in the Philippines began as early as 1740 when the Spanish introduced
coffee in the islands. It was once a major industry in the Philippines, which 200 years ago was
the fourth largest coffee producing nation. As of 2014, the Philippines produces 25,000 metric
tons of coffee and is ranked 110th in terms of output. However local demand for coffee is high
with 100,000 metric tons of coffee consumed in the country per year. The Philippines is one of
the few countries that produce the four main viable coffee varieties; Arabica, Liberica
(Barako), Excelsa and Robusta.90 percent of coffee produced in the country is Robusta. There
have been efforts to revitalize the coffee industry.

Coconuts
Coconuts plays an important role in the national economy of the Philippines. According to
figures published in December 2015 by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations, it is the world's largest producer of coconuts, producing 19,500,000 tonnes in 2015.
Production in the Philippines is generally concentrated in medium-sized farms. There are 3.5
million hectares dedicated to coconut production in the Philippines, which accounts for 25 per
cent of total agricultural land in the country. In 1989, it was estimated that between 25 percent
and 33 percent of the population was at least partly dependent on coconuts for their livelihood.
Historically, the Southern Tagalog and Bicol regions of Luzon and the Eastern Visayas were
the centers of coconut production. In the 1980s, Western Mindanao and Southern Mindanao
also became important coconut-growing regions.

Fruits
The Philippines is the world's third largest producer of pineapples, producing more than 2.4
million of tons in 2015. The Philippines was in the top three banana producing countries in
2010, including India and China. Davao and Mindanao contribute heavily to the total national
banana crop. Mangoes are the third most important fruit crop of the country based on export
volume and value next to bananas and pineapples.

Sugar
There are at least 19 provinces and 11 regions that produce sugarcane in the Philippines. A
range from 360,000 to 390,000 hectares are devoted to sugarcane production. The largest
sugarcane areas:
● are found in the Negros Island Region, which accounts for 51%
● Mindanao which accounts for 20%
● Luzon by 17%
● Panay by 07% and
● Eastern Visayas by 04%.

It is estimated that as of 2012, the industry provides direct employment to 700,000 sugarcane
workers spread across 19 sugar producing provinces. Sugar growing in the Philippines pre-
dates colonial Spanish contact. Sugar became the most important agricultural export of the
Philippines between the late eighteenth century and the mid-1970s. During the 1950s and 60s,
more than 20 percent income of Philippine exports came from the sugar industry. Between
1913 and 1974, the Philippines sugar industry enjoyed favored terms of trade with the US, with
special access to the protected and subsidized the American sugar market.

Abaca
According to the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority, the Philippines provided
87.4% of the world's abaca in 2014, earning the Philippines US$111.33 million. The demand is
still greater than the supply. The remainder came from Ecuador (12.5%) and Costa Rica
(0.1%). The Bicol region in the Philippines produced 27,885 metric tons of abaca in 2014, the

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largest of any Philippine region. The Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) and the
Department of Agriculture reported that in 2009–2013, Bicol Region had 39% share of
Philippine abaca production while overwhelming 92% comes from Catanduanes Island.
Eastern Visayas, the second largest producer had 24% and the Davao Region, the third largest
producer had 11% of the total production. Around 42 percent of the total abaca fiber shipments
from the Philippines went to the United Kingdom in 2014, making it the top importer.
Germany imported 37.1 percent abaca pulp from the Philippines, importing around 7,755
metric tons (MT). Sales of abaca cordage surged 20 percent in 2014 to a total of 5,093 MT
from 4,240 MT, with the United States holding around 68 percent of the market.

Rubber
There are an estimated 458,000 families dependent upon the
cultivation of rubber trees. Rubber is mainly planted in
Mindanao, with some plantings in Luzon and the Visayas. As
of 2013, the total rubber production is 111,204 tons

Animal Agriculture
Crocodile
Crocodile farming in the Philippines refers to agricultural industries involving the raising and
harvesting of crocodiles for the commercial production of crocodile meat and crocodile leather.
In the Philippines, crocodile farmers breed and raise two species of Philippine crocodiles: the
Philippine saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) and the Philippine freshwater crocodile
(Crocodylus mindorensis). Farms that trade crocodile skin are regulated by the Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Crocodiles help maintain the balance of
Philippine ecosystems such as wetlands; crocodile farming in the Philippines is also geared
towards the rescue and conservation of both C. porosus and the "endangered and endemic" C.
mindorensis. Crocodile farms also contribute to tourism in the Philippines and offer public
education about crocodiles

Lolong belongs to the species Crocodylus Porosus, or the Indo-Pacific crocodile, the world's
largest reptile which experts say can live up to a century. While not on the brink of extinction
globally it is critically endangered in the Philippines, where it is hunted for its hide, which is
sought after in the world's fashion industry.

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The Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis), also known as the Mindoro crocodile, the
Philippine freshwater crocodile, the bukarot in Ilocano, and more generally as a buwaya in
most Filipino lowland cultures, is one of two species of crocodiles found in the Philippines; the
other is the larger saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). The Philippine crocodile, the
species endemic only to the country, went from data deficient to critically endangered in 2008
from exploitation and unsustainable fishing methods, such as dynamite fishing. Conservation
methods are being taken by the Dutch/Filipino Mabuwaya foundation,the Crocodile
Conservation Society and the Zoological Institute of HerpaWorld in Mindoro island. It is
strictly prohibited to kill a crocodile in the country, and it is punishable by law.

"Crocodilian Species - Philippine Crocodile (Crocdylus mindorensis)".

Crocodilian Species List. Retrieved on 2007-10-22.
Ostrich
The business of ostrich farming in the Philippines
began in the Philippines in 1996. It was started by
Lorenzo U. Limketkai, an engineer, and his son
Heintje Limketkai. Heintje Limketkai took a month-
long training course on ostrich farming in Australia.
After that training, the Limketkais established their
ostrich farming business and named it as the
Philippine Ostrich and Crocodile Farms, Inc.,
becoming the first combined ostrich and crocodile
farm in the country.

Environmental Issues in the Philippines

Deforestation
Some agricultural practices, including export crops
and encroachment by small farmers, lead to
deforestation

According to Walpole (2011), The Philippines is

one of the most severely deforested countries in the
tropics and most deforestation has happened in the
last 40 years. Estimates place forest cover in the
Philippines in the year 1900 at 21 million hectares,

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covering 70 % of the total land area. By 1999, forests covered 5.5 million hectares; only
800,000 hectares of this was primary forest. As illegal logging continues, the remaining forest
is endangered.

The Philippines is paying a high price for the destruction of its forests and a number of major
problems confronting the nation can be traced directly to deforestation. Today, the country
faces food insecurity due to soil erosion, which means depleted nutrients and low crop yield. In
many provinces, at least 50% of the topsoil has been lost, and 70% of all croplands are
vulnerable to erosion. The country’s climatic conditions are such that typhoons sweep the
country an average of 19 times a year. The topography is mainly uplands with a slope equal to
or greater than 18% and these areas make up 52% of total land area. In the absence of forest
cover and with frequent heavy typhoon rains, soil erosion, mass wasting, and landslides are
induced.

The Philippines is facing water insecurity because of degraded and poorly managed
watersheds. More than 57 % of the major watersheds are critically denuded, which means loss
of water infiltration and slow recharging of water tables. Nationwide, water quality has
deteriorated and cities like Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Baguio, are constantly facing water
shortages. A country that once exported some of the finest woods in the world is now a net
wood importer.

The decimation of the forest is a tragedy for indigenous peoples. Ethnic groups become forced
to retreat into the interior and further impoverished. Government is doing little to raise these
people above their subsistence level. Some have left their lands, and the sight of indigenous
peoples begging in city streets is not uncommon. They have lost their lands, and their culture
has been degraded. With the destruction of indigenous cultures, the nation is losing a treasure
that should be nurtured to enrich national cultural diversity.
-https://essc.org.ph/content/lview/579/1/#:~:text=The%20Philippines%20is%20one%20of,of%20the%20total%20land%20area.

Climate change
Agriculture is one of the Philippines’ largest sectors and will continue to be adversely
impacted by the effects of climate change. The agriculture sector employs 35% of the working
population and generated 13% of the country's GDP in 2009. The two most important crops,
rice and corn, account for 67% of the land under cultivation and stand to see reduced yields
from heat and water stress. Rice, wheat, and corn crops are expected to see a 10% decrease in
yield for every 1°C increase over a 30°C average annual temperature.

Increases in extreme weather events will have devastating affects on agriculture. Typhoons
(high winds) and heavy rainfall contribute to the destruction of crops, reduced soil fertility,
altered agricultural productivity through severe flooding, increased runoff, and soil erosion.

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Droughts and reduced rainfall leads to increased pest infestations that damage crops as well as
an increased need for irrigation. Rising sea levels increases salinity which leads to a loss of
arable land and irrigation water.

All of these factors contribute to higher prices of food and an increased demand for imports,
which hurts the general economy as well as individual livelihoods. From 2006 to 2013, the
Philippines experienced a total of 75 disasters that cost the agricultural sector $3.8 billion in
loss and damages. Typhoon Haiyan alone cost the Philippines' agricultural sector an estimated
US$724 million after causing 1.1 million tons of crop loss and destroying 600,000 ha of
farmland. The agricultural sector is expected to see an estimated annual GDP loss of 2.2% by
2100 due to climate impacts on agriculture.

Eight Paradigms DA Secretary in Achieving Food Security

Here are the 8 paradigms of Dr. William Dar (DA Secretary) in attaining a food secure
country:

1. Modernization Must Continue

-use of modern technology will include the export potential crops such as coffee, cacao,
cassava, tropical fruits and rubber for processing and value-adding.

-emphasized that farmers should aso learn on how to become entrepreneurs.

2. Industrialization of Agriculture is the Key

-value chains of various agricultural commodity should aim to industrialize

3. Promotion of Export is a Necessity

-require achieving economies of scale in on-farm production
that would generate sustained quantity and quality of export
products.
-Philippines only have two dollar-earning crop, banana and
coconuts while Thailand has 13 crop, Vietnam has seven and
Indonesia has five.

4. Consolidation of Small- and-Medium-Size Farms

-helping small and medium size farms that entails mechanization should be prioritized
-these include block farming, trust farming, contract farming and corporate farming that will
make farming more efficient where technology is used and farm productivity and incomes are
increased.

5. Infrastructure Development should also be Crtical

-Build Build Build program can help in linking urban and export markets

6. Higher Budget and Investment for Philippine Agriculture

-to engage the private sector in investing and setting up of more agri-business industries in the
countryside and developing markets for agriculture products

7. Legislative Support is Needed

-need of frameworks which remote digitization of farming and agribusiness activities in the
country

8. Roadmap Development is Paramount

Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1 Module Page 35

-roadmaps in attaining food secure country that will create more access in developing the
export markets of the Philippines and funding research and development.

Lesson 3: Agriculture and Fishery Laws in the Philippine

Here are some of the Philippine laws on Agriculture:

Republic Act 8435- or the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997 simply
known as AFMA, was enacted on December 22, 1997. It is a policy instrument defining
measures to modernize Philippine agriculture for the country to compete in the global market.
Republic Act No. 9379 – The Handline Fishing Law
Republic Act No. 9296 – Meat Inspection Code of the. Philippines
Republic Act No. 9281 – Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Program
Republic Act No. 8550 – The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998
Republic Act No. 8435 – The Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act
Republic Act No. 8178 – Agricultural Tariffication Act
Republic Act No. 8175 – Revised Charter of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation
Act of 1995
Republic Act No. 7900 – High Value crops Development Act of 1995
Republic Act No. 10848 – Act Further Extending the Period of Implementation of the
Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF)
Republic Act No. 10845 – Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016
Republic Act No. 10817 – Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Act of
2016
Republic Act No. 10816 – Farm Tourism Development Act of 2016
Republic Act No. 10659 – Sugar Cane Industry Development Act
Republic Act No. 10654 – Act to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and
Unregulated Fishing
Republic Act No. 10601 – Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization (AFMech) Law
Republic Act No. 10068 – Organic Agriculture Act of 2010
Republic Act No. 11321 – Act Instituting the Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise
Development Program of the Department of Agriculture
Elaborate
Start a GPP Project. Let say, you were the Agri-Fishery teacher
of Mabuhay National High School and you were tasked by your
principal to start-up a Gulayan sa Paaral Project. What will be
your plans and strategies to the effective implementation of your
program?

DepEd Memo 223 Series 2016 or Implementation of the Gulayan sa Paaralan Program (GPP) in Public
Elementary and Secondary Schools Nationwide is a program that will address malnutrition and to promote
vegetable production and consumption among school children.

Evaluate
Essay. Be able to explain the question in 3 to 5 sentences.
How can schools help in helping the country in attaining food security?

Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1 Module Page 36

 Module 5

Trends and Issues in Agriculture and Fishery Arts

Introduction
Time are changing and everything now starting to be done electronically or online and
other emerging technologies which will revolutionizes traditional practices. Agri-Fishery Arts
is one field wherein these new technologies are being integrated.
As a future TLE teacher, you need to be updated and take part in helping the country in
attaining security in food and maximizing full potential as front-liners in promoting Agri-
fishery Arts.

Time Frame: 1 week

Objective: At the end of the lesson, you are expected to:

1. Discuss the trends in Agri-Fishery Arts
2. Explain Sustainable Agriculture
3. Discuss Issues and Problems in Agriculture

Topics:
Lesson 1. Trends in Agri-Fishery Arts
Lesson 2. Sustainable Agriculture
Lesson 3. Issues and Problems in Agriculture

Engage
One Word. Think of a word that will best described the picture below and explain in a
sentence why.

Explore
Read and Reflect. Be able to open this URL and write a 100-word reflection.

Topic: How Do Fertilizers Affect the Environment

URL:
https://www.environment.co.za/environmental-issues/how-do-fertilizers-affect-the-
environment.html

Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1 Module Page 37

Lesson 1. Trends in Agri-Fishery Arts
1. Internet of Things
Monitoring of the crop field in conventional
farming requires intensive labor, physical
equipment, time, and effort. IoT technology
provides an alternative to these traditional
methods. An IoT device contains one or more
sensors that collect data and provide accurate
information via mobile applications or other
means in real-time. These sensors perform
countless activities, such as soil, temperature &
humidity sensing, plant & livestock tracking,
and more. It also facilitates remote monitoring
of farms, providing greater convenience to farmers. Further, new irrigation systems utilize IoT sensors
for automation of the delivery of water to crops. These constitute evapotranspiration sensors, on-site
soil moisture sensors, rain sensors, and several others.

2. Agricultural Robotics
Shortage of labor is a critical problem farmers face, and this is
amplified in the case of large field operations. So, startups are
manufacturing agricultural robots to assist farmers with numerous farm
operations, including fruit-picking, harvesting, planting, transplanting,
spraying, seeding, and weeding. Farmers are increasingly relying on
robots to automate repetitive tasks in the field. They deploy smart
agricultural machines, such as GPS-enabled autonomous and semi-
autonomous tractors for harvesting. Tractors also come with auto-steer
technology for easier navigation across the field.

3. Artificial Intelligence
Incorporating artificial intelligence in agriculture provides farmers with real-time insights from their
field, allowing them to be proactive. AI offers predictive insights for forecasting weather data, crop
yield, and prices, thereby helping farmers make informed decisions. Chatbots, like a farmers’ Alexa,
give suggestions and input recommendations to farmers. AI and ML algorithms automate anomaly and
disease recognition in plants and livestock. This allows timely detection and corrective response if
required.

4. Drones
Increasing farm productivity while saving costs is challenging. But drones, also known as unmanned
aerial vehicles (UAVs), help farmers overcome this hassle in an effective way. Drones collect raw data
which translates into useful information for farm monitoring. Drones equipped with cameras facilitate
aerial imaging and surveying of near and far-stretched fields. This data optimizes the application of
fertilizers, water, seeds, and pesticides. Moreover, drones along with GPS technology, are used for
livestock tracking, geofencing, and grazing monitoring.

5. Precision Agriculture
Environmental degradation prompts call for sustainable solutions across
all industries. Sustainability in agriculture refers to the use of eco-
friendly methods and inputs which have zero or minimal negative
impact on the environment. An example of this is site-specific crop
management (SSCM), commonly known as precision agriculture. It is a
method in which farmers use exact amounts of input, such as water,
pesticides, and fertilizers, to enhance the quality and productivity of
yield.

Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1 Module Page 38

6. Agricultural Biotechnology
A lot of crop yield gets wasted due to pests and plant diseases. Although agrochemicals are utilized in
fields, they are not the best solution when it comes to sustainability. On the other hand, the application
of biotechnology in agriculture improves the quality of crops and livestock. Scientific techniques like
plant breeding, hybridization, genetic engineering, and tissue culture facilitate the identification of
better traits in plants more rapidly.

7. Big Data & Analytics

Large volumes of farm data are generated every day, which is of no good if not analyzed. Big data and
analytics techniques transform this data into actionable insights. Statistics of crop area, crop production,
crop forecasts, land use, irrigation, agricultural prices, weather forecasts, and crop diseases, lay the
foundation for the next farming season. Analytical tools make the use of data on weather events, farm
equipment, water cycles, quality, and quantity of crops to extract information relevant to farm
operations. This helps identify patterns and relationships that may otherwise remain hidden.

8. Controlled Environment Agriculture

Fluctuating and extreme weather events constantly hamper conventional farming methods. Further,
growing crops in populated cities, deserts, or other unfavorable conditions pose significant challenges.
This is overcome by controlled environment agriculture (CEA). In CEA, plants are subjected to a
controlled proportion of light, temperature, humidity, and nutrients. There are different growing
environments, namely, indoor farming, vertical farming, greenhouses, among others. There is an
increased deployment of techniques like hydroponics and aeroponics which involve growing soilless
plants in a liquid nutrient medium or steam. Another such technique is aquaponics, where plants and
fish are cultivated simultaneously. Fish provides nutrients to plants, while plants purify the water for
the fish. CEA methods reduce pests and diseases, increase yield, and establish sustainable farming
practices.

9. Regenerative Agriculture
Conventional farming practices lead to long-term erosion and crusting of soil. Often, the plowing,
tilling, and overgrazing don’t allow much time for the soil to revive before the next cropping season.
Regenerative agriculture, on the other hand, causes minimal soil disturbance while focusing on
improving soil biodiversity and topsoil revival. It involves different practices like no-till farming,
reduced tillage, crop rotation, and more. For example, cover crops are planted to cover the soil between
cropping seasons to restore soil fertility. Further, regenerative farming facilitates fields to act as a
carbon sink through sequestration. This leads to fewer carbon emissions into the atmosphere and a
lesser negative impact on climate change.

Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1 Module Page 39

10. Connectivity Technologies
A lack of connectivity via an established network or broadband is a problem in rural areas globally.
Smart farming is not possible without connectivity technologies like 5g, LPWAN, rural broadband, or
satellite-enabled connectivity. 5g facilitates different IoT devices, robots, and sensors to communicate
the data at ultrafast speeds. This enables farmers to monitor the data more accurately in real-time and
take the required actions. High-speed internet using fiber optic cables enables the exchange of field data
in real-time, which is crucial when it comes to improving accuracy. Connectivity technologies support
other technologies like IoT, which ultimately work in coordination to form connected farms.
-https://www.startus-insights.com/innovators-guide/agriculture-trends-innovation/

Lesson 2. Sustainable Agriculture

History and Key Concepts

Agriculture has changed dramatically since the end of World War II. Food and fiber productivity
has soared due to new technologies, mechanization, increased chemical use, specialization, and
government policies that favored maximizing production and reducing food prices. These changes have
allowed fewer farmers to produce more food and fiber at lower prices.

A growing movement has emerged during the past four decades to question the necessity of these
high costs and to offer innovative alternatives. Today this movement for sustainable agriculture is
garnering increasing support and acceptance within our food production systems. Sustainable
agriculture integrates three main goals – environmental health, economic profitability, and social equity
(Figure 1). A variety of philosophies, policies and practices have contributed to these goals, but a few
common themes and principles weave through most definitions of sustainable agriculture.

Agricultural sustainability rests on the principle that we must meet the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Therefore, long-term
stewardship of both natural and human resources is of equal importance to short-term economic gain.
Stewardship of human resources includes consideration of social responsibilities such as working and
living conditions of laborers, the needs of rural communities, and consumer health and safety both in
the present and the future. Stewardship of land and natural resources involves maintaining or enhancing
the quality of these resources and using them in ways that allow them to be regenerated for the future.
Stewardship considerations must also address concerns about animal welfare in farm enterprises that
include livestock.

Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1 Module Page 40

Sustainable Agriculture and the Management of Natural Resources
A sustainable agriculture approach seeks to utilize natural resources in
such a way that they can regenerate their productive capacity, and also
minimize harmful impacts on ecosystems beyond a field's edge. One
way that farmers try to reach these goals is by considering how to
capitalize on existing natural processes, or how to design their farming
systems to incorporate crucial functions of natural ecosystems. By
designing biologically-integrated agroecosystems that rely more on the
internal cycling of nutrients and energy, it is often possible to maintain
an economically viable production system with fewer potentially toxic
interventions. For example, farmers aiming for a higher level of
environmental sustainability might consider how they can reduce their
use of toxic pesticides by bringing natural processes to bear on limiting
pest populations.

Sustainable Agriculture and Society

Agroecosystems cannot be sustainable in the long run without the
knowledge, technical competence, and skilled labor needed to manage
them effectively. Given the constantly changing and locality-specific
nature of agriculture, sustainability requires a diverse and adaptive knowledge base, utilizing both
formal, experimental science and farmers' own on-the-ground local knowledge. Social institutions that
promote education of both farmers and scientists, encourage innovation, and promote farmer-researcher
partnerships can increase agricultural productivity as well as long-term sustainability

Conclusion
Social, economic, and environmental sustainability are closely intertwined and necessary
components for a truly sustainable agriculture. For example, farmers faced with poverty are
often forced to mine natural resources like soil fertility to make ends meet, even though
environmental degradation may hurt their livelihoods in the long run. Only by creating policies
that integrate social, environmental, and economic interests can societies promote more
sustainable agricultural systems.

https://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/sustainable-agriculture-23562787/
Brodt, S., Six, J., Feenstra, G., Ingels, C. & Campbell, D. (2011) Sustainable Agriculture. Nature Education Knowledge
3(10):1

Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1 Module Page 41

Lesson 3. Issues and Problems in Agriculture
As a growing area of study, Agriculture also shares its own problems and issues and a
number of these are detrimental in sustaining the viability of farms.

10 Common Plant Diseases (and How to Treat Them)

Plant diseases are a fact of life for gardeners. Learn how to deal with the most common
plant ailments and how to keep them from ruining your garden.

Powdery Mildew
Problem: Powdery mildew leaves a telltale white dusty coating on leaves, stems and
flowers. Caused by a fungus, it affects a number of plants, including lilacs, apples, grapes,
cucumbers, peas, phlox, daisies and roses.

Solution: Rake up and destroy infected leaves to reduce the spread of

spores. Also, give plants good drainage and ample air circulation. Avoid
overhead watering at night; mid-morning is preferred to allow foliage to
dry before evening. Commercial fungicides are available for powdery
mildew, or you can spray with a solution of one tsp. baking soda and one
quart of water

Downy Mildew
Problem: Downy mildew is caused by fungus-like organisms and affects many ornamentals
and edibles, such as impatiens, pansies, columbine, grapevines, lettuce and cole crops such as
broccoli and cauliflower. Often occurring during wet weather, downy mildew causes the upper
portion of leaves to discolor, while the bottoms develop white or gray mold.

Solution: Plant resistant cultivars when available. No fungicides are

available, but cultural practices can help. Remove and destroy infected
foliage, or entire plants if downy mildew is prevalent. Avoid crowding
plants or watering them in the evening, and rotate edibles year to year.

Black Spot
Problem: Black spot is a fungal disease commonly found on roses, but also on other
flowers and fruits. While it doesn’t kill plants outright, it weakens them and makes them
susceptible to other problems. In cool, moist weather, small black spots appear on foliage,
which starts to turn yellow and eventually drops off.

Solution: The fungus overwinters in diseased canes and leaves, so

remove both before winter. Keep foliage clean and dry by mulching
beneath plants, positioning roses where morning sun will quickly
evaporate dew, and watering at the roots rather than wetting the
foliage. Consider planting varieties of roses resistant to black spot.
Plants also can be sprayed with a fungicide to prevent black spot.

Mosaic Virus
Problem: There are a number of mosaic viruses, but gardeners are most likely to
encounter two: tomato mosaic virus and tobacco mosaic virus. The former infects
tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, apples, pears and cherries; the latter infects tomatoes,
peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, beets, petunias and, of course, tobacco.

Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1 Module Page 42

Mosaic virus causes mottled yellow and green leaves that are sometimes curled and
distorted. Some plants exhibit yellowing, stunted growth, malformed fruits and reduced
yield. Mosaic virus is more common in hot weather.

Solution: There are no chemical controls, but resistant varieties

exist. The virus can live in dry soil for some time. Remove and
destroy infected plants, roots and all, and avoid planting
susceptible plants in the same area for two years. Because tobacco
is a carrier, smokers should wash hands thoroughly before
handling plants.

Damping-Off Disease
Problem: Damping-off disease, caused by several soil-borne fungi,
is most problematic in wet, humid conditions. It infects seedlings
and causes them to collapse and decay. It’s often found in
greenhouses, but can occur outdoors as well.

Solution: There is no treatment, but you can prevent it with good

cultural practices. Use new pots, cell packs or trays, or those
disinfected with a 10 percent bleach solution. Fill with fresh,
bagged, soilless potting mix, avoid crowding seedlings and provide adequate ventilation.
Damping-off disease usually affects newly-sown plants

Fusarium Wilt
Problem: Caused by a soil-borne fungus, fusarium wilt affects
ornamental and edible plants, including dianthus, beans, tomatoes,
peas and asparagus. The disease causes wilted leaves and stunted
plants, as well as root rot and sometimes blackened stem rot. It’s
especially active in hot summer temperatures.

Solution: There are no chemical controls available to home

gardeners, but there are disease-resistant cultivars. If fusarium wilt
shows up somewhere in the garden, remove and destroy infected plants and do not plant
the same species in that spot for five years.

Verticillium Wilt
Problem: Verticillium wilt is a fungal disease that affects
hundreds of species of trees, shrubs, edibles and ornamentals.
Pathogens, which can live in the soil for years, make their way
into the plant through the roots, eventually clogging the vascular
system and causing branches to wilt suddenly and foliage to turn
yellow and fall off prematurely. It can also lead to stunted growth.

Solution: Fungicides are not effective, but good sanitation

practices may help. Remove and destroy infected annuals, perennials and edibles. Prune
diseased branches off trees and shrubs. (When you do this, you’ll notice a telltale green
streak or stain in the wood.) Sterilizing cutting tools with a 10 percent bleach solution
between cuts.

Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1 Module Page 43

 Sooty Mold
Problem: Sooty mold refers to fungi that grow on the sticky deposits,
called honeydew, left by plant-sucking insects. On leaves it’s not only
unsightly; it impedes photosynthesis and stunts plant growth. Leaves
coated with sooty mold also drop off prematurely.

Solution: To deal with sooty mold, you have to deal with the plant-
sucking insects leaving the honeydew, such as aphids, leafhoppers and mealybugs. Spray
them with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ants are attracted to the honeydew for food, so
they protect the plant-sucking insects from predatory insects that would otherwise keep
a lid on the pest population. Trap ants or, with woody plants, paint a sticky compound
such as Tanglefoot around stems.

Snow Mold
Problem: Snow mold is a fungus that flourishes in the cold,
moist conditions found beneath snow. It attacks turf grass. After
snow melts, symptoms become visible: light tan areas of matted
grass caused by threads of mold.

Solution: Rake the matted grass to break up the mold and allow
for new growth. In fall, make the last cutting of the year shorter
to discourage tall grass blades from falling over and
contributing to matting.

Rust
Problem: Rust, another fungal disease, is easy to spot because it forms rusty spots on
leaves and sometimes stems. The spots eventually progress from reddish orange to black.
There are many types of rust that can attack plants such as
hollyhocks, roses, daylilies and tomatoes. Even your lawn is
susceptible to grass rust.

Solution: Fungicides are available. Culturally, it’s a good practice

to gather and destroy any infected plants to prevent the fungus
from overwintering.
https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/most-common-plant-diseases/

Fish Deceases
You need to be mindful of health risks when owning fish, but with our guide to fish
diseases and infections, you’ll know the symptoms and how to treat them. Poor health in
fish isn’t uncommon, but the main cause is poor water conditions. Healthy water usually
means healthy fish, so paying close attention to the condition of your tank is vital.
Remember that you can always bring in a sample of your aquarium water to your local
Petbarn and have it tested for free.

Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1 Module Page 44

Ammonia poisoning
Though not a disease, ammonia poisoning is a common problem in fish tanks – especially
new ones. It can cause high levels of stress in your fish and lead to other health issues
including bacterial disorders.

If you see your fish gasping at the surface with red or inflamed gills, they may have
ammonia poisoning. The water in their tank may appear murky, which is an indicator
that the water hasn’t been ‘cycled’. To treat this condition, test the water for ammonia
and pH, and check the water temperature. A 30 to 50 per cent water change is advised
and you need to repeat this within 24 hours as necessary.

Clean the gravel in your fish tank with a gravel siphon and
make sure you’re using high-quality food that’s not out of
date. To prevent this condition avoid overfeeding,
overcrowding and ensure your filtration system is working
well.

Cotton mouth
This bacterial infection can affect cold-water and tropical fish. It’s sometimes confused
with a fungal infection because of the appearance of white or greyish white spots on the
fish’s head, though usually this infection starts as a pale area around the head and mouth.
This may turn yellow/brownish in colour with red-tinged edges.

Bacteria generally affects the fish’s mouth, but lesions can appear on the back that look
like a saddle on the fish’s body. Some ways to treat this condition include a 30 per cent to
50 per cent water change with a siphon of the tank’s gravel. Aquarium salt can be used,
but ensure that your fish can tolerate it. You can also use Furan 2, Melafix or a vet-
prescribed antibiotic.

In addition, you should remove the carbon from your tank’s filter during treatment. This
infection is one of the reasons you need to use a quarantine tank when introducing new
fish to your established aquarium.

https://www.petbarn.com.au/petspot/fish/care-and-maintenance-fish/fish-diseases-avoid/

Dropsy
Usually fatal to fish, Dropsy is characterised by a swelling of your fish’s abdomen,
sometimes causing their scales to stick out. Your fish will appear listless and lose their
appetite. If you’re unsure if your fish has Dropsy, quarantine them them immediately and
take them to your local Vets.

Maintaining your fish tank’s water quality is key to keeping your fish safe from this
condition. Also, be sure to feed your fish high-quality food and avoid overcrowding them.
Test the water frequently and observe your fish for signs of stress.

Fin/tail rot
If you see that your fish’s fins or tail are frayed and the edges appear white, then they
may be rotting. Your fish may also settle at the bottom of the tank and stop eating. This

Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1 Module Page 45

can be caused by poor water quality, but it can start with bullying from other fish. If your
fish is being bullied, you should move them to the quarantine tank.

You can treat this condition by checking the tank’s water condition and doing a 25 per
cent change of the water, along with a gravel siphon of the bottom of the tank. You can
treat fin and tail rot with Furan 2 and Melafix or with an antibiotic that your Vets can
prescribe.

Fungal infections
Fungal infections are one of the most common disorders for fish. Fungal spores naturally
populate fish tanks, but sick, stressed or injured fish can cause a dangerous increase.
These infections manifest as a white cotton-wool-like growth on the skin, mouth, fins or
gills. This condition is normally a secondary problem, so it will need a two-part
treatment.

You’ll first have to treat the underlying disease or injury via the infected fish spending
time in the quarantine tank. Then go about cleaning your
tank. A 30 to 50 per cent water change and a siphon of the
tank’s gravel is necessary. Aquarium salt can be used,
provided your fish can tolerate it and an anti-fungal agent will
serve you well.

Be sure you always treat your tank hygienically by regularly

changing your nets. Always wash and rinse your hands prior
to and after handling the tank’s elements.

Hole in the head

Cichlids, and in particular Discus and Oscars are the fish breeds most commonly affected
by this disorder. Vitamin deficiencies, poor-quality food and unhealthy water conditions
can contribute to this ailment. You’ll notice lesions that appear as small pits in your fish’s
head and on the lateral line. If you notice such lesions, perform a 30 to 50 per cent water
change, checking the pH and water temperature, too.

Then improve your pet’s diet with a high-quality flake food and a vitamin supplement.
Add AquaSafe Water Plus or StressCoat to improve your pet’s slime coating and help
them heal. If they don’t improve, talk to your local Vets.

Ich or white spot

This is a nasty parasite that can be fatal if left untreated.
At first you’ll notice white spots that look like your fish
has been sprinkled with salt. You may notice your fish
rubbing against objects in the tank in irritation. They
may also rapidly move their gills, be lethargic or sit at
the bottom of the tank. You’ll need to treat the whole fish
tank to get rid of this parasite, which has a free-
swimming stage to its life cycle. Follow these steps for
tropical tanks:

Slowly increase the temperature of your tank over 24 hours to 29°C to speed up the life
cycle of the parasite

Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1 Module Page 46

Keep the tank at this temperature while treatment continues
Treat with a specific White Spot cure and follow the instructions on the label
Remove carbon from your filter for the duration of the treatment period as carbon will
absorb any medication you add to the water
Treat for the recommended amount of time even if you feel that it has passed, as there
may still be parasites floating in the water
Cold-water fish will need to be treated with medication and aquarium salt as the
temperature increase method will cause them stress. Be strict with quarantining new fish
to avoid this nasty parasite.

Popeye
Though it’s not considered a disease, Popeye is more a symptom of an underlying
problem. True to its name, Popeye causes a buildup of fluids either behind the eye or in
the eye itself. This condition can be caused by fighting, a bacterial infection, or poor-
quality water.

If you notice an issue with your fish’s eye, be sure to remove any sharp objects from the
tank and observe them to see if there is an aggressor. It’s best to keep your fish in the
quarantine tank until they’ve healed and feed them high-quality food. Be aware that there
may be an underlying bacterial infection, so don’t skip the quarantining step. You may
have to treat the entire tank. We recommend a 30 to 50 per cent water change and
treatment with an antibacterial option, such as Furan 2.

Slime disease
This parasitic disease is characterized by an
overproduction of mucus coating, which appears as a
grey/white to blue mucus coating. You’ll also see rapid
breathing if your fish has this ailment, which is caused by
fish feeling stressed.

Bear in mind that if the mucus covers the fish’s gills, they
can suffocate. Stress can be increased by poor water
conditions, overcrowding or sudden changes in temperature. If you notice the symptoms,
you should check your water for pH levels and perform a 30 to 50 per cent water change.
Definitely remove your activated carbon before adding any treatments, such as Furan 2
or Melafix. Use aquarium salt with caution. Preventing this disease relies on you
maintaining healthy water, avoiding overcrowding and checking your fish for signs of
stress.

Swim bladder disorder

The swim bladder of a fish helps to maintain their buoyancy. Issues in this region are
often down to such things as constipation and air gulping. This condition mainly affects
fish such as the fancy breeds with globoid bodies – Orandas and Fantails. You may see
symptoms such as swimming erratically, difficulty swimming to the bottom of the tank
and floating to the surface.

In some fish, this issue is caused by an underlying bacterial or fungal infection, but it can
also be attributed to a kidney or liver disorder. If you notice the symptoms, you should
check the chemistry of your water and perform a 25 per cent water change.

Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1 Module Page 47

Don’t feed your fish for up to 48 hours and once that time frame has elapsed, feed them
thawed frozen peas (skinned), which will act as a natural laxative. If there is no
improvement, treat the tank with aquarium salt and Furan 2. If your fish sit at the bottom,
reduce the water level to about half to lessen the pressure on them.

If your fish are floating at the surface, reduce the filter current so they aren’t battling
against the elements. To prevent this condition, we advise soaking your pelleted food so
your fish don’t gulp air at the surface and to feed them a mix of frozen and dry food.

Ulcers
Ulcers most commonly affect cold-water fish, such as goldfish. The ulcers are an
inflammation of the external tissues that look like sores. They can be caused by physical
injury, parasites, bacterial erosion, bacterial sepsis, bacterial infection or chemicals
contained in poor water chemistry, such as high ammonia, nitrate and high or low pH
levels.

Be sure to work out if it is one fish or multiple fish that are affected, as the latter will
indicate an environmental problem. Seeing the symptoms should lead you to check your
water conditions and perform a 30 to 50 per cent water change.

Quarantine the affected fish and treat with Melafix,

following the dosage instructions on the label, and
use different nets to avoid contamination. You might
want to add aquarium salt – if your fish can tolerate
it – but keep in mind that a visit to your local Vets
might be on the cards.

Velvet
Seeing spots on your fish, in finer yellow, rust or gold dusty tones may point to a Velvet
diagnosis. It can be difficult to see, but using a flashlight on your fish in a darkened room
will help you discover the parasite on your fish’s fins and gills. Watch out for rapid gill
movement and signs that your fish is flicking against the
surfaces of the tank.

Once the disease has progressed, the fish will become

lethargic, lose weight and display laboured breathing. To rid
your tropical tank of the disease, slowly raise the water
temperature to 29°C over 24 hours and turn off the lights
while treating. If you have a cold-water tank you should use
medication as increasing the temperature will stress them. We advise you do a 30 to 50
per cent water change and add aquarium salt, provided your fish can tolerate it.

Also treat with Acriflavine and avoid carbon filtration during this period. Prevention is
definitely the key with this disease, so be sure to quarantine new fish and maintain high
standards of water health. Be sure to talk to the team at your local Petbarn store about
the best ways to avoid this disease.

Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1 Module Page 48

Elaborate
Think of an Agri-Fishery Project. Be able to think of a simple project using recyclable
materials. Be create a simple poster of the project for your future TLE students.
Concept- 5 pts
Creativity- 5 pts

Evaluate
Essay. Explain in 3-5 sentences the saying below.

Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1 Module Page 49

 REFERENCES

https://www.fao.org/3/ae946e/ae946e03.htm#:~:text=The%20Philippines'%20major%20agricultural%
20products,bananas%2C%20pineapples%2C%20and%20mangoes.&text=From%201999%20to%2020
03%2C%20women's,in%20land%20preparation%20and%20furrowing.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agriculture_in_the_Philippines
https://www.da.gov.ph/wp-
content/uploads/2016/12/The_Philippine_Agriculture_Today_and_the_Future.pdf

Introduction to Agriculture and Fishery Arts 1 Module Page 50